Selena's killer receives life sentence

October 26, 1995
Web posted at: 4:35 p.m. EDT

HOUSTON, Texas (CNN) -- Yolanda Saldivar was sentenced to
life in prison Thursday for the murder of Tejano singing star
Selena.

The sentence handed down by a jury of six women and six men
after nine hours of deliberation means Saldivar, 35, must
serve at least 30 years before she is eligible for parole. It
is the maximum prison term in the state of Texas.

The jury found Saldivar guilty Monday of first-degree murder
in the March 31 shooting death of Selena Quintanilla Perez,
23, in a Corpus Christi motel. According to testimony from
the trial, Selena was meeting with Saldivar to discuss
allegations that Saldivar had embezzled money from her when
the shooting occurred.

Saldivar had been the president of Selena's fan club and
manager of the star's clothing business. The defense argued
that Saldivar had accidentally fired the shot that killed
Selena. The prosecution maintained that the shooting was
deliberate.

There was no word on immediate reaction from the families of Saldivar or Selena.